Most photographers, especially professional ones, know that it is not the camera that makes the picture, but in fact the photographer. Cameras are wonderful tools that continue to advance as technology and time passes. This is a great thing. The innovation and intelligence that goes into making cameras, lenses and equipment cannot be denied. I watched a presentation by Canon that detailed how lenses are made and it was certainly awe inspiring. It is important for professional photographers to be kind and helpful to other photographers and non-photographers by explaining to them how cameras are wonderful tools that help us in creation, not solely responsible for the creation itself (no more than a pen writes the novel or a scalpel completes the surgery itself.) However, simply liking or enjoying new cameras and technology is not a reason to admonish people. For example, there seems to be a backlash towards anyone who wants the newer Canon cameras, such as the 5D MK II or 7D. Both cameras seem to be great tools and have amazing reviews. Simply because these cameras are slightly pricey, any mention of owning or wanting one seems to open a Pandora's box of criticism, as if wanting a camera like these means that the photographer automatically believes that the camera makes the photograph and not the photographer. This is an insult and disrespect to most photographers. As I mentioned above, some photographers and non-photographers may incorrectly believe this. But to post blanket statements (via blog, social media etc.) against someone wanting a new camera or being interested in new technology does a disservice to the photography community and creates further animosity and separation that doesn't need to be there.
I have had people ask about my camera and even state "I like the pictures that your camera takes" and I would kindly and jokingly state "I like the food that your pots cook." We would have a good laugh and then I would explain to them why I choose certain cameras to do certain things and how my iPhone camera rocks too (the picture of my cameras above is an iPhone shot). Simple, easy, pleasant convo without harsh criticisms and judgment seemed to work fine. But this is from me, a pro photographer talking to a person unfamiliar with photography. However, when one pro photographer insults another pro photographer's knowledge because they are interested in a newer camera, that really does a disservice to what should be a great networking and information sharing relationship via social media.
It's ok to like cameras. It really is. I promise. Just as we upgrade/change our cars (despite all cars being able to drive to the same destination) or move from a smaller home to a bigger home (or vice versa) it is ok to upgrade or downgrade cameras and to enjoy the technology.** Certainly we want to keep in mind that we determine what photograph we create while using these amazing tools and be helpful to those who may not understand the differences. But when someone with a G10 (or other point & shoot) bashes someone for wanting a 7D (or other SLR), or a seasoned pro with a larger budget who owns two 5D MK II (and perhaps a Mark III as well), doesn't want anyone else to be able to upgrade and criticizes them for wanting to, it becomes a little silly and seems that insecurity is ruling their thoughts, not a love for photography.
Whether we shoot with our iPhone cameras or our new Canon, Nikon, Olympus or other dSLRs, let's remember the fun of photography and not force other photographers into boxes via insults and criticisms that really may be insecurity or superiority complexes doing the talking. Let's keep a love for photography first and keep creating beautiful work.
**To be clear, I do not seek to uphold or uplift random materialism. What I mean is that a photographer who also enjoys the actual tools they work with should not be admonished by others who cannot afford the same tools, have better tools and do not want the person to upgrade or feel that it is somehow immoral to enjoy the innovation and creativity that goes behind creating interesting products and imagery. Relating this to houses and cars was not to suggest that people should buy anything at anytime, but simply to mention changes in the things that we own does occur. My concern is that some photographers criticize other photographers for upgrading cameras, yet not on other upgrades/changes that are made in other purchase areas. Interest in technology and innovation as well as changing tools is ok in my book.
14 Comments:
Well said Trudy!
I like this post.
:)
Thanks for reading! :)
I agree 100% with what you wrote. I think you hit the nail on the head, when you mentioned people's insecurities. That's what I believe as well. Some people make more money, so they are able to buy the more expensive camera, that's all. Who said the next camera out takes "better" photos. Usually the people who own the higher dollar cameras produce better results due to their vast experience of shooting. This also the reason why it's easier for them to drop the amount of funds on a new camera, because they know what they themselves is capable of producing using certain tools.
It's a shame that certain people feel driven to desecrate on others wants. What is wrong with having a goal, or wanting something that is out of reach. People who decide to tear down what your future may hold seriously lack self confidence. Sad people. We should pray they think different. Hopefully, one day, something will click, and they will support others. As I am sure they do not just talk trash about cameras, as they probably do this about anything, and everything somebody wants, or buys. jealousy.
Andy, that is a good observation re: "As I am sure they do not just talk trash about cameras, as they probably do this about anything, and everything somebody wants, or buys. jealousy."
I did notice that some of the same people who negatively tried to determine if photography is art and who is a photographer or not were some of the same ones that had negative things to say about camera upgrades.
My sister made a good point in her Facebook status today: "Why say "to each his own" if you can't respect each's own..."
This was a wonderful post!! I dont know how many times I have run into people being rude... and down right mean.. thinking I want to steal ideas or clients.. when really all I want to do is network with others who love what they do... and if we learn from each other or become friends along the way.. bonus....
Love it!! You rock!!! Awesome photos by the way!! =)
Thanks for reading Jess.
Some people are paranoid about networking. It is unfortunate. Also, a client cannot be "stolen." They are people and not property so if a photographer thinks you are doing that, that is also unfortunate.
I love this post Trudy. A good camera can take a clear picture, but it takes an artist to make it a work of art. There is a lot of the same talk in the design industry with tools such as photoshop, adobe design studio, etc. While it is now easier to duplicate what other artists have done, only an artist can create their own distinct brand. At least that's my 2 cents. But I of course happen to be very fond of our artists :)
-Aaron
Thanks for reading Aaron. I too love artists!
In this post and my previous, I don't seek to state what it takes for a photographer to create a "good" picture, good camera or not. My intent (in the posts mentioned in the Discussions link up top) is to mention that there are many boundaries, labels, decisions and other things occurring in photography that are really nothing more than negativity. Photographers should not rip other photographers for wanting a certain camera, decide whether or not their photographs are "real", decide that edited photographs are no longer photographs, despite being created with a camera, and decide who is a photographer or not based on arbitrary standards. Everyone is entitled to their opinions but some peddle opinions as truth and try to discourage other photographers, especially newbies/amateurs. I think that is artistic irresponsibility.
As far as artistic duplication, I'd go with Ecclesiastes 1:9 on this one - The thing that hath been, it is that which shall be; and that which is done is that which shall be done: and there is no new thing under the sun.
We may think we are creating something unique and even purposely try not to copy, but there are certain themes that can be reflected from one work of art to the next. The only original thing we can do is use our own ideas to create. Problem is, how much of our own consciousness is ours? We are impacted when we view imagery, paintings, graphic arts, the classics, even when reading. What completely new and individualistic idea can an artist expect to create with 100% certainty?
Great response, I am definitely thinking about these things! :)
Awesome awesome. It's a very hard balance between "master your point and shoot first" and telling people that "any camera can take the shot if the photographer is good enough". If that were true, no one would spend the thousands of dollars on SLR equipment. At the same time, you don't want someone thinking their camera is at fault when they clearly don't even know how to take photos. But, as I wrote in digital photography school today, I really agree with you that some of it seems to be jealousy - people who don't feel special because everyone has a dSLR now.
I agree Eric. It is a very tight balance indeed. It makes sense to want to explain these things to newbies and your point is very valid! I do feel that more explanation (regarding benefits/limitations of cameras) may needed between newbies or from a pro to a newbie sometimes.
However, I get a little bothered though when one pro bashes on another pro if the pro likes cameras.. It seems that the pro that does the bashing immediately insults other pro photographer's knowledge and assumes that the other pro thinks that the camera "magically" makes the picture. The other pro may simply like the science, creativity, innovation and ingenuity that is involved in the creation of cameras. People upgrade things in their lives all of the time, i.e. cell phones, cars, homes.
"I have had people ask about my camera and even state "I like the pictures that your camera takes" and I would kindly and jokingly state "I like the food that your pots cook."
I like your statement about the pot! :)
Thank you for writing this. I have had this problem with other professional photographers. I 'upgraded' from a 1dsMarkII to the 5DMkII this past spring. I miss some of the features of the 1Ds, but I do not miss the technology the 5D replaced. The images are stellar. When I tell other professionals what I used to shoot on and what I shoot on now, I get scoffed at, especially those still shooting on the 1DsMarkII. I made beautiful photographs with my 1DsMarkII and I'm making beautiful photographs with my 5DmkII, but I am so enjoying working with the video and also the high ISO sensitivity on the 5D I in no way regret my decision.
I get asked by a lot of 'wannabe' photographers what camera they should get. I tell most of them that if they just want a camera that takes beautiful pictures or a camera they can control a little bit more, get the G10. People think now that they have to have a DSLR to take good photos AND that once they get that DSLR their photos will automatically be amazing. I love my G10 and it takes amazing photos. It's all most wannabees ever need.
It's too bad that some photographers judge you based on a simple camera change.
Also, I hate the term "wannabe". No one refers to a law student as a wannabe lawyer, simply a student or an art student studying under a painter as a wannabe painter. The term is derogatory so I try to refer to anyone that has a passion for photography and works hard at it as simply a photographer, not based on equipment love (or hate for that matter, people think hating equipment equals insight and it doesn't...I don't like polar extremes and I blog about that in my psych blog but I digress...) but based on passion + hard work.
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